We want to know what you think about the MY GEN Book Club's first two books: "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli (ages 12-18) and "Frindle" by Andrew Clements (ages 8-12). In order for us to hear from as many of you as possible, please write no more than 300 words and e-mail submissions to mygen@post-gazette.com no later than Sept. 25. We will print some of your reviews and comments Tuesday, Sept. 26, as space allows and print the rest online at www.post-gazette.com/books.

Here are some tips about writing a book review:

Story, characters, dialogue, theme -- all of those elements go into writing a book -- and reviewing it. They all play a part in your thinking when you're ready to write a review for the Post-Gazette's new team, the My Gen Book Club.

Start with the story: Does it hold your interest? Do you want to keep reading to learn how it turned out? Does it make sense or are things not believable? How does it relate to your life?

Then there are the people in the book: Are they like folks you know or do they seem like strangers? Are they interesting or boring? When they talk to each other, do they say things that move the story along, reveal parts of their character, sound like real people, are funny or important comments or seem dumb or intelligent?

Now, the biggest question: What is the book about? Does it deal with issues and thoughts in your experience? How did you feel about the world after reading it?

Consider these elements, think about them as you read the book and take notes as you go along. When you sit down to write, decide what was the best part of the book and the worst. Then explain why. Remember, your review should not be a summary of the story, but a statement of your thoughts and opinions.

We want to hear them and, most importantly, we want to hear them in your voice.

-- Bob Hoover, Post-Gazette book editor